Examination of the cellular mechanisms of leukocyte elevation by 10.6 µm and 650 nm laser acupuncture-moxibustion.

To investigate the cell cycle and cellular mechanisms of leukocyte elevation by laser acupuncture in rats with cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced leukopenia. Sixty-six rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model control group, sham treatment group, 10.6 µm laser treatment group, 650 nm laser treatment group, and 10.6 µm-650 nm compound laser treatment group. Eleven rats were used in the normal group and 55 were models that were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce leukopenia. For the three laser treatment groups, 10.6-µm and 650-nm lasers, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound lasers were used to irradiate the DU14 (Dazhui) and bilateral ST36 (Zusanli) for 5 min each. The sham laser group received the same operation as the laser group but without irradiation. The normal group and model group were not treated. Differences in the number of nucleated cells in the femoral bone marrow, and cell cycle and cellular apoptosis of peripheral leukocytes in rats in various groups were compared. Compared with the model group and the sham laser group, the number of nucleated cells in the femoral bone marrow in the 10.6-µm laser, 650-nm laser, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound laser group was significantly increased after treatment (P = 0.001, 0.002, 0.034, respectively) and did not show any significant difference with the normal group (P = 0.964, P = 0.838, P = 0.287, respectively). The number of cells in G2 phase in the 10.6 µm laser group was similar to that of the normal group (P = 0.973). The number of cells in G2 phase in the model, sham, 650-nm laser group, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound laser group were significantly lower than in the normal group and 10.6-µm laser group (P = 0.016, P = 0.023, P = 0.044, P = 0.039, respectively). In the model group and the sham treatment group, the apoptosis rates of peripheral leukocytes were increased compared with the normal group (P = 0.001), while the proportion of cells in the G2 phase was significantly lower than in the normal group (P = 0.016), and the proportion of cells in S phase was higher than in the normal group (P = 0.014). The incidence of apoptosis in peripheral blood cells in the three laser treatment groups did not show any statistically significant difference when compared with the normal group (P > 0.05). Treatment with the 10.6-µm, 650-nm, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound lasers increased the number of nucleated cells in the bone marrow, decreased the unfavorable effects of cyclophosphamide on the cell cycle, induced the cell cycle towards proliferation, decreased apoptosis, improved the intramedullary hematopoietic system, and increased peripheral leukocyte count.

Therapeutic analysis of laser moxibustion for different KL graded knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies showed that laser moxibustion may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. However, the therapeutic effect in patients with different Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades is still unclear. We aimed to compare the efficacy of laser moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with different KL grades. METHODS: A total of 392 symptomatic KOA patients with different KL grades were randomly assigned to the laser treatment or sham laser control group (1:1). The patients received laser moxibustion treatment or sham treatment 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and the primary outcome measurement was the change in WOMAC pain scores from baseline to week 4. RESULTS: Among 392 randomized participants, 364 (92.86%) completed the trial. Participants with KL grades 2, 3, and 4 had significantly higher pain, functional, and total WOMAC scores than those with KL grade 1. Spearman correlation test results showed a positive correlation between KL grade and WOMAC pain, function, stiffness scores, and WOMAC total scores. That is, the higher the KL grade, the higher the WOMAC pain, function, stiffness, and WOMAC total scores. After 4 weeks of treatment, patients with KL grades 2 and 3 had significantly higher improvement scores in pain, function, and total scores than those with KL grade 1, whereas those with KL grade 2 had significantly higher improvement scores in stiffness than those with KL grade 1. Patients with KL grade 4 showed no significant effects after laser moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSION: Laser moxibustion is effective for pain reduction and functional improvement in the treatment of KOA with KL grades 2 and 3.

Pathologic analysis on hyperplasia of mammary gland with different syndromes based on infrared radiation temperature of acupoints.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathologic characteristics of hyperplasia of the mammary gland (HMG) by observing differences in infrared radiation temperature of points of HMG in patients with different syndromes compared with healthy controls. METHODS: A FLIR Systems Therma CAM P30 infrared thermal camera was used to detect the infrared temperature of Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), and Taichong (LR 3) in 113 patients with HMG. Of these patients, 71 were placed in the Liver Qi stagnation group, 34 were placed in the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels group, and 8 were placed in the Phlegm and blood stasis in combination group. The infrared radiation temperature of each point in the patients was compared with that of healthy controls, and the differences in the infrared radiation temperatures of the points in the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, the bilateral corresponding point in both the controls and patients exhibited no significant difference in infrared radiation temperature. In all cases, the infrared radiation temperature of the points from proximal to distal tended to decrease. In a comparison of the patients and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of the trunk points Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), and Guanyuan (CV 4) of the patients was higher than that of the controls, while the infrared radiation temperature of the lower extremity points Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) was lower than that of the controls. Of these points, Shanzhong (CV 17) (P=0.0368), Zhongwan (CV 12) (P=0.0028), Qihai (CV 6) (P=0.0085), and Guanyuan (CV 4) (P=0.0018) showed significant differences. In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Liver Qi stagnation group and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of Shanzhong (CV 17) (P=0.0089), right-side Qi-men (LR 14) (P=0.0382), Zhongwan (CV 12) (P= 0.0000), Qihai (CV 6) (P=0.0011), and Guanyuan (CV 4) (P=0.0000) of the patients was significantly higher than that of the controls, while the differences in the infrared radiation temperature of the other points were not statistically significant (P= 0.0833-0.8397). In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels group and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of left-side Taichong (LR 3) (P=0.0048), right-side Taichong (LR 3) (P=0.0329), left-side Taixi (KI 3) (P= 0.0171), and right-side Taixi (KI 3) (t=0.544, P= 0.0165) of the patients was significantly lower than that of the controls, while the differences in the infrared radiation temperature of the other points were not statistically significant (P=0.3793-0.9197). In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Phlegm and blood stasis in combination group and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), and Zhongwan (CV 12) tended to increase, but without statistical significance (P=0.175-.759). CONCLUSION: The corresponding points of HMG patients with different syndromes are in different deficiency/excess states. Changes in the infrared radiation temperature of the trunk points Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), and Guanyuan (CV 4) are closely related to the pathological characteristics of the Liver Qi stagnation syndrome of HMG patients, while changes in the infrared radiation temperature of the lower extremity points Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) are closely related to the pathological characteristics of the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels syndrome of HMG patients. On the whole, HMG patients with Liver Qi stagnation syndrome are characterized by "upper excess," and those with Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels syndrome are characterized by "lower deficiency."

10.6-µm infrared laser as adjuvant therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic neurological complication. It is the main cause of disability in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Pharmacological treatments always associate with limited efficacy and adverse effects. Moxibustion has been recommended to treat DPN as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medical treatment to accelerate alleviation of the symptoms of DPN. 10.6-µm laser moxibustion (LM), whose wavelength is close to the peak of infrared radiation spectrum of the traditional moxibustion as well as human acupoints, produces the thermal effect similar with moxibustion but with no smoke or smell. The purpose of this sham controlled clinical trial is to determine the effect and safety of 10.6-µm LM as adjuvant therapy in patients with DPN. METHODS: This is a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. One hundred fourteen patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to the LM group or the sham LM group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients in both groups will receive a basic integrated treatment of Chinese and Western medicine and a total of 12 sessions of true or sham LM treatments over 4 weeks with 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome is nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and the secondary outcomes include Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) scores, Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life (DSQL) scores, blood rheology parameters, and assessments of safety and blinding. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, 2 weeks after treatment, the end of LM treatments (4 weeks), and 4, 8 weeks after the end of LM treatment (8, 12weeks). DISCUSSION: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of LM versus sham LM combined with medical treatment. 10.6-µm LM may alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the dosage of drugs as well as avoid causing serious side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000029329 . Registered on 25 January 2020.

[Bone proportional measurement on the chest and abdomen among 101 young females].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the bone proportional measurement standard on the chest and abdomen of modern women. METHODS: The height, weight and distances of bone proportional measurement chest and abdomen of 101 young females were measured. The height was divided by 75 to calculate the data of bone proportional measurement, and compared with the national standard published in 2006 and the ancient literature of Miraculous Pivot: Gudu. RESULTS: The bone proportional distances between two nipples and two coracoid processes of women were 8 cun and 12 cun respectively, which were in line with the 2006 national standard. The bone proportional distance from navel to superior margin of pubic symphysis (Qugu) was 6.5 cun, which was consistent with the ancient literature of Miraculous Pivot: Gudu. The bone proportional distance from suprasternal fossa to the middle point of xiphisternal synchondrosis (Qigu) was less than 9 cun, while the bone proportional distance from Qigu to navel was more than 8 cun, resulting in the ratio less than 9︰8. The bone proportional distance from suprasternal fossa to the middle point of xiphoid process was 9 cun, corresponding to the ratio of 9︰8 when comparing with the measurement from the middle point of xiphoid process to navel. CONCLUSION: The bone proportional distance measurement between two nipples and two coracoid processes of women should follow the 2006 national standard, and the bone proportional distance measurement from navel to superior margin of pubic symphysis should follow the standard of Miraculous Pivot: Gudu. The middle point of xiphisternal synchondrosis should be replaced by the middle point of xiphoid process.

New smokeless moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: A study protocol for a multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with high morbidity and disability. As the aging and obese population increase, so will the medical services for this disease. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion and traditional moxibustion in the treatment of KOA and to determine the clinical efficacy of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicenter, two parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Eighty-eight subjects with KOA (Kellgren Lawrence grade II or III) will be recruited and randomly treated with smokeless moxibustion or traditional moxibustion in the ratio of 1:1. The smokeless moxibustion group will use plant herbal activated carbon smokeless moxa cone. The traditional moxibustion group will be treated with pure moxa cone. Subjects in both groups will receive treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point ST35, EX-LE2, and EX-LE4. Subjects in both groups will receive 3 sessions per week of moxibustion for 4 weeks. The primary outcome are changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scores from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes include visual analog scale, 50 yards fast walking time, short-form heath survey 36, overall clinical efficacy evaluation, self-assessment of safety, treatment credibility and expectancy, and cytokines related to osteoarthritis in serum. DISCUSSION: This randomized single-blind controlled trial takes traditional moxibustion as the control group to provide strict evidence for the clinical efficacy and safety of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion in the treatment of KOA.

Low level light therapy/photobiomodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes that strongly impact the patients' quality of life and working ability. Evidence indicated that low level light therapy (LLLT)/photobiomodulation might be effective for neuropathy. However, the effect of LLLT for DPN is not clear. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effects and safety of LLLT/photobiomodulation for DPN, in comparison with other methods such as sham light, no treatment, other active treatment and LLLT as an additional treatment compared with another treatment alone. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search eight databases from their inception to the date before the review submission. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will be included. Two reviewers will independently extract data using a structured data extraction method and assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Data will be synthesised using standardised mean difference or risk ratio with 95% CIs for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively. The primary outcome will be change in pain and secondary outcomes will include global symptom improvement, functional impairment and disability, impairment of sensation, quality of life, nerve conduction, and adverse events. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis will be employed to explore the influence of possible clinical and methodological characteristics. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plot. We will conduct meta-analysis with RevMan V.5.4 and evaluate quality of the evidence using GRADE approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study does not require ethics approval. Our findings will be disseminated in the peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021276056.

Effects of laser irradiation on arthritic histopathology and heat shock protein 70 expression in C57 black mice with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of three different laser treatments (650 nm alone, 10.6 µm alone and combined laser of 650 nm and 10.6 µm) on experimental osteoarthritis of the knees in C57 black mice. METHODS: Sixty C57 black mice were divided randomly into 6 groups. Ten mice were assigned to a normal control group (no intervention) and the other 5 groups were subjected to a forced running regimen to induce osteoarthritis. One group was set as the model control group. The other 4 groups were given 90 s of a 650 nm laser, 90 s of a 10.6 µm laser, 90 s of a combined laser, or a sham treatment on acupoint Dubi (ST35) of the rear left leg 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The modified Mankin score was used to evaluate the degree of cartilage degradation. Immunohistochemical staining for heat shock protein (HSP) 70 was conducted. RESULTS: Mankin scores of the model control group and the sham control group were significantly higher than that of the normal control group (P<0.01). Mankin score of the combined laser group was significantly lower than that of the model control group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal control group, there was a significant induction of HSP70 in the arthritic chondrocytes of the combined laser group. CONCLUSION: The arthritic cartilage induced in C57 black mice improved significantly after combined laser treatment of 650 nm and 10.6 µm lasers. This effect may be related to the induction of HSP70 in the arthritic chondrocytes. The two different lasers appear to have a synergistic effect.

Comparison of 10.6 µm Laser Moxibustion with Traditional Moxibustion in Knee Osteoarthritic Therapy: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial.

Objective: To investigate the noninferiority of 10.6 µm laser moxibustion (LM) to traditional moxibustion (TM) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Ninety-two patients were recruited and randomly placed into one of two groups: 10.6 µm LM or TM in a 1:1 ratio. Each patient received 12 sessions of LM or TM, focusing on the ST-35 and Ashi acupoint. The sessions took place over 4 weeks, three times a week, and were followed up over 8 weeks. The endpoint outcomes were separated into two categories, primary and secondary. The primary endpoint was assessed at the end of the 4-week treatment, using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. The secondary endpoint was evaluated at the end of the trial and consisted of the WOMAC function and stiffness score, visual analog pain [visual analog scale (VAS)] score, and 15-m walking time test. In addition, safety evaluation was performed throughout the trial. Results: Among the 92 randomized participants, 86 (93.48%) completed the trial; 43 in each group. The WOMAC pain score improved dramatically between the LM and TM groups, with a mean difference of 20.61 [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.28 to 43.50]. Given that the lower boundary of 95% CI was greater than -18.49, noninferiority was established. In addition, both LM and TM significantly decreased the WOMAC (pain, function and stiffness) score, VAS score (p < 0.05), and the 15-m walking time at the end of the trial. Interestingly, there were not significant differences between LM and TM (p > 0.05), suggesting that both are equally effective in treating KOA. Finally, among the 92 patients, 17 (18.48%) adverse effects were documented, namely 5 (10.87%) in the LM-treated group and 11 (26.09%) in the TM-treated group. Conclusions: 10.6 µm LM is not inferior to TM in treating KOA. Moreover, both LM and TM dramatically alleviated knee pain and enhanced function of knees. Clinical Trial Registration number: ISRCTN registry trial identifier: 14604492.

The efficacy of jade moxibustion in knee osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare clinical effect between Jade moxibustion and traditional moxibustion, and to determine the clinical effect of Jade moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS/DESIGN: This is a 2-parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 148 subjects with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III) will be recruited and randomized to receive Jade moxibustion treatment or a traditional moxibustion treatment in a 1:1 ratio. Jade moxibustion group: The affected knee of the subjects will be covered with jade kneepad. Traditional moxibustion group: Chosen the ST35, ST34, EX-LE4, SP10 and Ashi points at the affected knee. The subjects will receive treatment three times a week, altogether 12 times in 4 weeks. The main outcomes are WOMAC knee pain score, knee function score and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire changes at the 4th week. Secondary outcomes include WOMAC knee pain score and knee function score, overall clinical efficacy evaluation, medication, safety evaluation at the 2nd, 12th, and 24th week, and cytokines related to osteoarthritis in serum. DISCUSSION: This randomized controlled trial used traditional moxibustion as a control group to provide rigorous evidence for the clinical efficacy and safety of Jade moxibustion in treatment of KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, No 21174552. Registered on 28 February 2020.

Effect of Compound Laser Acupuncture-Moxibustion on Blood Glucose, Fasting Insulin and Blood Lipids Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion on blood glucose, fasting insulin and blood lipids levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the normal group, model control group, laser group and sham laser group (n=10 per group). The rats in the normal group were fed with a standard diet. Rats in other groups were fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 4 weeks, then intraperitoneally injected with 1% streptozotocin to induce T2DM model. The laser group was irradiated by 10.6 µm and 650 nm compound laser on bilateral Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for 5 min, 6 times a week for 5 weeks. The sham laser group received the same treatment as the laser group, but without laser output. The model control group and normal group were not treated. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks of treatment. The serum levels of fasting insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were analyzed after the last treatment. RESULTS: The blood glucose levels in the model control group increased during the 5 weeks of treatment compared with the normal group (P<0.05), while those in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after weekly treatment (P<0.01 or P<0.05). After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, the blood glucose levels in the laser group decreased obviously compared with the sham laser group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the levels of fasting insulin, TC and LDL in the model control group notably increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), while their levels in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after 5 weeks of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in TG or HDL levels among the 4 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion of 10.6 µm and 650 nm had positive effects on the regulation of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, which may be a potential treatment for T2DM, and also provide an alternative to the traditional acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.

Acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that has a considerable impact on quality of life, but there are few effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture (MA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) for DPN. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 118 patients with DPN will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MA group or SA group. All patients will receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research center at month 6 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (peroneal MNCV) at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include peroneal motor nerve action potential amplitude (peroneal MNAP) and latent period (peroneal MNLP), sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (sural SNCV), action potential amplitude (sural SNAP) and latent period (sural SNLP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) at week 12 compared with baseline, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) score and Diabetes Specific Quality of Life scale (DSQL) at week 12 and month 6 compared with baseline. Safety will be assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness will be assessed by patients. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide high-quality evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of MA treatment for DPN compared with SA treatment. Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR1800020444. First registered on 29 December 2018, retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?Proj=31063 .

Manual acupuncture for the infertile female with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases for women. Acupuncture is widely used for the infertile female because of it is non-invasive and has fewer side effects, but the powerful evidence for the clinic is still insufficient. Our study intends to explore the effect of manual acupuncture (MA) in the infertile female with PCOS. METHODS: This study is a randomized, sham-controlled, patient-and assessor-blinded trial and aims to evaluate the effect of MA in women with PCOS and infertility. We will recruit 86 women aged 20-40 years with a diagnosis of infertility with PCOS. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the MA group and the sham acupuncture (SA) group. Both groups will receive real herbal medicine treatment as a basic treatment twice a day for three menstrual cycles, the MA group receive real acupuncture treatment and the SA group received placebo acupuncture treatment (non-penetrating). All patients will receive acupuncture treatment twice per week for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome is pregnancy rate and secondary outcomes include ovulation rate, sex hormones, insulin resistance index (IRI), PCOS symptoms, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, each menstrual cycle, the end of treatments, and six months after the last acupuncture treatment. The present protocol followed the SPIRIT guidelines and fulfilled the SPIRIT checklist. DISCUSSION: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of MA versus SA. This trial will help to evaluate whether MA is effective in increasing pregnancy and ovulation rates of the infertile female with polycystic ovary syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800014997 . Registered on 27 February 2018.

Infrared radiation spectrum of acupuncture point on patients with coronary heart disease.

The objective of this study was to compare the acupoint infrared radiation spectrums of patients and healthy volunteers to show whether those of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients carry distinctive pathological information. PHE201, using a highly sensitive infrared spectrum detection device applied to the acupoint Neiguan (PC6) and to a control point on 50 CHD patients and 47 healthy adults. A total of 73 wavelength spots were detected. The scanned wavelengths ranged from 1.5 microm to 16 microm, and the scanning spacing was 0.2 microm. The data were automatically recorded in the database of the device for statistical analysis. Infrared radiation intensities of 23 in the 73 detected wavelength spots significantly differed in the CHD patients' Neiguan as compared to those of the healthy subjects (from p=0.048 to p=0.002), while only 12 wavelength spots at a non-acupuncture control point showed significant differences. By the chi(2) test, these differences between Neiguan and the non-acupuncture control point are statistically significant (p=0.033). At 2-2.5 microm, which is related to energy metabolism, the intensity at the CHD patients' Neiguan was significantly lower than that of the healthy adults (from p=0.026 to p=0.017). No difference was observed at the non-acupuncture control point (from p=0.094 to p=0.052). The data suggest that the changes of infrared spectrum at Neiguan in coronary heart disease patients may reflect the distinct pathological changes. This may be the result of hypoactive energy metabolism in the area of the acupoint.

[Standardization on the location of Fengshi (GB 31)].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the manual measurement of Fengshi (GB 31) between the standing position and the supine position so as to determine the location. METHODS: A total of 197 volunteers were included in the manual measurement of Fengshi (GB 31) at the standing position and 92 volunteers at the supine position. The differences were compared between the two measurements. RESULTS: The results in the manual measurement at the standing position showed that the distance was (39.27±3.83) cm from the greater trochanter of femur to the popliteal transverse crease [(39.96±4.21) cm in males, (38.82±3.49) cm in females, P < 0.05]. The distance was (19.08±2.97) cm from the tip of the middle finger to the popliteal transverse crease [(18.96±3.50) cm in males, (19.16±2.58) cm in females]. After calculating according to the formula of proportional bone measurement, Fengshi (GB 31) was located (9.28±1.44) cun above the popliteal transverse crease [(9.07±1.64) cun in males, (9.42±1.29) cun in females]. The results in the manual measurement at the supine position showed that the distance was (41.89±3.88) cm from the greater trochanter of femur to the popliteal transverse crease [(42.36±3.88) cm in males, (41.67±3.89) cm in females]. The distance was (23.01±3.37) cm from the tip of the middle finger to the popliteal transverse crease [(22.50±3.73) cm in males, (23.25±3.20) cm in females]. After calculated according to the formula of proportional bone measurement, Fengshi (GB 31) was located (10.51±1.69) cun above the popliteal transverse crease [(10.16±1.75) cun in males, (10.67±1.63) cun in females]. CONCLUSION: Fengshi (GB 31) is located on the femoral region, in the depression under the tip of the middle finger at the standing position. The simple localization of the acupoint at the supine position: at the supine, the palm touches the middle of the lateral side of the thigh, about 1 cun directly below the depression under the tip of the middle finger. The location of Fengshi (GB 31) in female is slightly upper than male.

[Review on infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints in recent 10 years].

In the paper, the study was reviewed on the infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints in recent 10 years. CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, SciVerse ScienceDirect and Springer databases were retrieved, with"infrared thermal imaging" and "acupoint" as the key words. The retrieving time was from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Totally, 468 relevant papers were searched and 169 papers of them were read carefully on acupoint infrared temperature. In terms of physiological condition, pathological condition and the stimulation methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, embedding therapy and cupping therapy, the general situation was reviewed on the infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints separately. It was found that the study on infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints in physiological condition was limited and the characteristics discovered were not enough to systematically review the physiological and physical properties of acupoints. The study in terms of the pathological condition objectively reflected the effects and rules of diseases. It was showed in the study of acupoint infrared temperature characteristics after stimulation that the changes of infrared thermal imaging tempe-rature at some specific region induced by different therapies and parameters might be used to deduce the potential mechanism and optimal parameters or schemes of intervention method and contributed to the formation and deve-lopment of quantitative diagnosis and treatment. The authors believe that the study on infrared temperature characteristics of acupoint provides the active significance in the exploration on the physiological and physical characteristics of acupoint, the effects and rules of diseases as well as the quantitative diagnosis and treatment.

An infrared radiation study of the biophysical characteristics of traditional moxibustion.

OBJECTIVES: Moxibustion has been a part of acupuncture practice for thousands of years. Traditionally, it includes direct moxibustion, in which moxa sticks are burned at acupuncture points on the skin, and indirect moxibustion, in which monkshood cakes or ginger or garlic slices are used to insulate the skin from burning moxa cones. Recently randomised clinical trials and clinical observations suggest that moxibustion can enhance physiological and immune functions, but there has been little investigation of the scientific basis of these traditional techniques. The present study compared the infrared radiation caused by these techniques to that of non-specific controls and to that of the human body surface at an acupuncture point. METHODS: A highly sensitive, infrared-spectrum detection device was used to compare the spectra of traditional moxibustion materials (n = 4/group) with those of control materials (n = 4/group) and to the spectrum at the surface of an acupuncture point LI 4 (Hegu) in healthy volunteers (n = 7). RESULTS: The infrared radiation intensity produced by a traditional moxa stick was 43300.41 mV, with a peak on the infrared spectrum of 3.5 microm, while the respective radiation intensities of two controls, a smokeless moxa stick and a 555 cigarette, were 31.15 mV and 37.03 mV with peaks of 7 microm and 3.5 microm. The infrared radiation intensities of the three traditional media of indirect moxibustion, monkshood cake, ginger slices and garlic slices, were 520.27 mV, 594.79 mV and 681.87 mV, respectively, all with peaks around 7.5 microm and similar spectra. In contrast, the infrared radiation intensities of slices of cucumber and carrot, used as control media for indirect moxibustion, were 274.47 mV and 50.53 mV, respectively, substantially different from those of the traditional media. Infrared radiation at LI 4 (Hegu) was 20.40 mV, and peaked on the infrared spectrum at about 7.5 microm. The experiment showed that the thermal action of the traditional moxa stick was more potent than that of indirect moxibustion and its radiation peak was different from that at the acupuncture point on the human body. In contrast, the thermal action of traditional indirect moxibustion was modest and its radiation peak matched that at the acupuncture point. CONCLUSION: Direct moxibustion with a traditional moxa stick may produce its potent therapeutic effects by thermal action, while traditional indirect moxibustion may act by producing modest thermal action and a sympathetic vibration at the skin surface. Non-traditional thermal materials and media may not be suitable substitutes for traditional materials. The data provide a scientific, biophysical rationale for traditional moxibustion.

[Observation on the characters of infrared radiation spectrum of acupoints in normal humans and CHD patients].

In this experiment the data of the infrared radiation spectrum of acupoints in human body were obtained through an ingenious device. In thirty-one healthy volunteer subjects and thirty-one patients suffering from coronary heart disease, we detected the infrared radiation spectra from some acupoints and compared them with those of the healthy subjects. The curves of patients showed more differences. After analyzing the data, we noted statistically significant differences in some fields between the healthy subjects and the patients. And after reducing the data, we observed significant differences in larger fields. So utilization of reduced data from patients for analysis is our choice.

[Effect of infrared laser on pituitrin-induced bradycardia in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of infrared laser stimulation on Neiguan (PC 6) for bradycardia of rabbits induced by injection of pituitrin. METHODS: 10.6 microm CO(2) infrared laser, 650 nm semiconductor red laser and the compound laser of their aggregation were sent out by a compound laser sanatory instrument to stimulate Neiguan (PC 6) respectively for the purpose of analyzing the differences of the effects exerted by infrared laser and red laser as well as the changes of the effects after their aggregation. RESULTS: After 30 min and 40 min of the injection of pituitrin, the heart rate showed no significant difference between 10.6 microm CO(2) infrared laser group and the normal control group (P>0.05). However, the heart rate showed significant difference between the 650 nm semiconductor red laser group and the normal control group (P<0.05). After 30 min of the injection of pituitrin, the heart rate of the compound laser group were significantly different to that of the untreated group (P<0.05), and it was not significantly different to that of the normal control group (P>0.05). However, the heart rate of non-acupoint stimulated by the compound laser group showed no significant difference to that of the untreated group (P>0.05), and it was significantly different to that of the normal control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Stimulation on Neiguan with 10.6 microm CO(2) infrared laser can evidently improve the bradycardia induced by injection of pituitrin, while the 650 nm semiconductor red laser has no such function, but they have coordinating effect. The thermal effect produced by CO(2) infrared laser stimulating acupoint is probably beneficial for semiconductor laser penetrating skin as well as the biochemical reactions it carries. The improvement of heart rate produced by the laser stimulation on Neiguan (PC 6) has relative specificity.